Process and mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials



R. PEALE June 30, 1931.

PROCESS AND MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Filed Sept. 5l 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet v l Nimm..

`lune 30, 1931. R PEALE 1,812,365

PROCESS AND MBCHANISM Fon SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Filed sept. 5, 1925 s sheets-sheet 2 @w Y l 5 5 n 6 t n0! l N 2 h R 1|. c v m oo., A 1 e e h S 3 .E ElMHHWIHNMHMHHHHMMHHHHMI1| mm. hTfwv.. I O 0 0 o o o o/ I o o O O O 5 2 w n .v NQ` E 5. A v E .t P J S R d e 1 .1 F

PROCESS AND MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS June 30, 1931.

Patented June 30, 1931 UNITED vs'lA'rEs PATENT OFFICE RICHARD PEALE, OF ST. BENEDICT, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO PEALE-DAVIS COMPANY, 0F WILMINGTON, DELAWARE, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE PROCESS AND MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Application filed September 5, 1925. Serial No. 54,777.

The invention relates to a process and mechanism for separating intermiXed, divided materials, and more especially to a process and mechanism for separating such materials, the fragments or particles of which vary very widely in size, while varying relatively very little in their specific gravities.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forthin part hereinafter, and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practicing the invention; such objects and advantages being realized and attained by the steps, and through the instrumentalities, pointed out in the appended clajms.

The invention consists in the steps, processes, parts, combinations, constructions and arrangements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, herein referred to and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and the preferred manner of practicing the same, said drawings together with the description serving to illustrate the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings n Fig. 1 is a transverse, vertical section on the line 1--1 of Fig. 2, illustrating a mechanism, embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a full top plan corresponding to Fig. 1, but omitting the feeding mechanism and the dust collector; 4

Fig. 3 is a vertical, transverse section, taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a detail, vertical section showing a flat separating table; and

Fig. 5 is a detail, vertical section showing a concaved separating table.

The invention provides both a method and a mechanism for separating intermiXed, divided materials, from a bed of materials moving slowly over a traveling table, while subjected tothe action of air currents. The invention is further directed to effecting the automatic separation of such mixtures of materials wherein the various pieces of the dierent kinds of material vary greatly in size, while varying Very little in their respective specific gravities. This presents a problem of considerable difliculty, due to the wide range in the sizes of the pieces of material, and the relatively small difference in the1 specific gravities of the different materia s.

The term divided is used 'to designate broken, fragmentary, granular, pulverulent, or other material comprising separated parts or pieces of different kinds of materials. The terms lighter and heavier, as used hereinafter, will be understood as applying to the respective specific gravities of the various intermixed, divided materials and not to the difference in mass of particular pieces of different sizes.

One kind of intermixed, divided materials which the invention is capacitated toseparate is a mixture of coal, bony, rock and other impurities as it comes from the mine, the rock and other impurities being separated from the coal entirely automatically by my invention, and without requiring previous sizing of the material except as to the removal of the very largest lumps.

According to previous commercial practice, except by the cleaning tables disclosed in and covered by certain related copending applications, it has been necessary to very closely size the coal by preliminary screening before attempting the automatic separation of the intermixed coal, bony and rock.

As an example of necessary previous commercial screening preparatory to separating z-All sizes above two inches were screened out; from two inches to 1% inches were screened as the next size; then from 11/2 inches to 1 inch; from 1 inch to 1/2 inch; from 1/2 inch to l@ inch; from 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch; from l@ inch to 5 inch; and from 115 inch down were screened out on successive screens. Each of these sizes is then sent to a different separating table. Thus seven or eight different screens are required and seven or eight separating tables, one for each different size of the intermixed materials produced by screening, making about fourteen or more machines and operations in all.

By my invention, I dispense with all of the screening mechanisms of the prior art and with all but one of the separating tables. I use only a single large separating table, and

f the bed of materialsundergoing separation being supported upon an air pervious table, through which a' blast of air is driven from beneath upwardly through the bed of material, the table at the'sametime being moved unidirectionally to mechanically forward the separ ted heavier material, which has settled down upon the table, by constraint, friction and inertia toward a place of delivery, the gradation of th-e forcevof the air current and i the table structure cooperating in the novel manner hereinafter set forth to accomplish the desired result.

The invention provides broadly for feeding on the material at a locus which is at or near the rear end of the separating table, and preferably entirely across this end, at such rate as to build up at the beginning, and thereafter to continuously maintain, upon the table a bed of materials of substantially uniform thickness, which moves gradually forwardly over the table. The materials undergo progressive separa-tion, due to the combined air and mechanical actions, as they move forwardly, gradually approaching complete separation, which is edected before the separated materials are delivered from the table.

By my present invention, the intermixed materials are fed on preferably entirely across the rear end of the air pervious table,

and beginning at this time and continuing progressively forwardly along the table, the intermixed particles or fragments of material are loosened apart and separated from each other, and the lighter material gradually forms a iiotant top stratum, and the heavier material gradually settles and comes to rest upon the table. and thereafter is progressed forwardly by the combined action of friction and inertiato a place of delivery, aided by the directing partitions.

Referring by way of example to the embodiment of the invention illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, there is shown, broadly considered, a separating table upon which is maintained-an outwardlv moving bed of intermixed materials gradually undergoing stratification and separation from an interior feeding-on locus for the intermixed materials to a peripheral place rials. This table is preferably of circular form, the intermixed materials being fed at or near the center, and the discharge or` delivery of the different separated materials being at the periphery of the table, and occupying the same in Whole or very large part.

The stratifying and separating means c0- operatin with the table structure comprises devices or producing air pressure and air currents upwardly through the bed of stratifying and separating materials, and also mechanical devices, having relative motion with respect to the table, and coacting in the separation of the materials, and impelling the heavier material, at rest upon the table, outwardly along the table and towards the periphery thereof, and the discharge of the separated materials from the table. Preferably co-operating with the foregoing are me chanical devices, having relative motion with respect to the bed of materials, for stirring or` opening up the materials, to facilitate the stratifying and separating action.

It will be understood that the foregoing general description, and also the following detailed description, are exemplary and explanatory of the invention, but are not restrictive thereof, as to the novel features and combinations included therein.

Referring in detail to the illustrated and present preferred exemplification of the invention, an air-pervious, approximatelyfeonical separating table 1 is provided, shown with a relatively small central flat portion, and with the remainder of the surface sloping gently and gradually to the preferably circular periphery. In this preferred form of the invention, the table is rotated, and there is an air chamber underneath the table, the air therefrom being forced upwardly through the table to exert a loosening action upon all the materials in the bedand also to exert a Hotant action upon the particles of the lighter material, while permitting the particles of the heavier material to come to rest upon table l.

Accordingly, the table l is mounted upon a cylindrical chamber 2, the periphery of the table resting upon the upper edge of the cylindrical air chamber, and being fastened thereto by suitable means, such as an annular angle strip 3, bolted or riveted to the periphery of the table 1 and also to the upper part of the cylinder 2. A suitable bracing and reinforcing structure is preferably provided, and as shown, comprises a series of rods or struts 4f, having their outer ends riveted to the inner walls of the cylinder 2 by means of angle pieces 5 in two series, one attached near the upper part of the cylinder 2 and the other attached near the lower part of the cylinder 2. The inner ends of the various struts 4 conver e together, and are all fastened to a centra tie plate 6.

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regulable speed mechanism,

The embodied form of means whereon the foregoing described structure is rotatably mounted comprises a plurality of trunnions 15 fixed to and projectin outwardly from t he lower part of the cylin er 2, the trunnions being carried :by plates 16 bolted to the cylinder 2. Journaled onthe trunnions or axles 15 are flanged wheels 17, which run on a circular track 18, resting on the foundation structure.

Suitable means are provided, for rotating the hereinbefore described structure, which means may be of any desired form, and comprises mechanism or devices for varying the speed of rotation of the structure. As embodied, an annular peripheral guideway 19, conveniently made of a channel bar is shown fastened medianly to the periphery of the cylinder 2. A driving cable 20 runs in this trackway about the cylindrical part 2 of the table, and also runs about a driving pulley 21. The pulley 21 is driven bty a variable or o any approved or suitable form, and such a mechanism is shown in ageneral way at 22 in Fig. 2. It

may comprise a variable speed electric motor, or a variable speed drive of any suitable kind, driven from an electric motor, or any other suitable source of power. The separating table 1 and its supporting structure is thus rotated at any desired and efficient speed to suit any particular kinds of intermixed divided materials or such materials in different physical states. n

he remaining structure and mechanism constituting the air chamber and means for supplying air pressure and air currents to the bed of intermixed but gradually stratifying and separating materials on the table v1, comprises in the present embodiment a lower stationary part of the air chamber. This is y shown with a flat bottom 31 and upwardly and outwardly inclined sides 32, terminating in a cylindrical top portion 33, Rwhich fits freely within the bottom edge of the cylinder 2. A flexible air sealing strip 34 is preferably riveted or otherwise attached to the inner face of the part 33, and projects upwardly thereabove. The air pressure forces this flexible member 34 against the inner circular wall of the rotatable chamber 2, and thus forms an efficient air seal.

Any suitable form of means may be provided for creating air pressure and air currents, and in the embodied form a conduit 35 is shown leading into the stationary part of the air chamber, and communicating at its outer.end with a suitable blower fan or other equivalent device. The air pressure may be steady, or the force or intensity thereof may be varied, as by using a valve or valve-system in the conduit 35, by varying the speed of the fan. or by any other known or suitable means.

Means are provided for regulating the air action in Ythe different parts of the tablein addition to those already described; Accordingly, with most materials, and inthe present referred form of the invention, the air pervlousity of the table is either graduated continuously throughout, or as a practical proposition, preferably in zones from the center of the table outwardly. With most materials the area of greatest air perviousity will be about the center of the table, and will decrease outwardly towards the periphery of the table in successive areas, preferably circular. Four such areas are indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 2, the area of greatest perviousity being indicated by a and the area of least air perviousity by d, the 'intervening letters having correspondmg significance.

Pulsating air currents of automatically varying intensity or force may be utilized if desired, or as found to be necessary or desirable for various kinds of materials.

In accordance with certain features of the invention, the feed of the intermixed materials i`s preferably at or near the center of the table 1, the materials in the bed gradually progressing outwardly and downwardly,

along the table as the stratification and separation proceeds. In the embodied form of such means, a hopper 47 is provided, having downwardly and inwardly coverging sides, and supported by beams 48. Means are provided for effecting a regulable feed of the intermixed materials to the table l proportional to the capacity of the table in separating the materials and for discharging them as separated.

In the embodied form this feed-regulating means is shown as a slide 50, mounted in the bottom part of the hopper, the slide being moved to either enlarge or contract the opening in the bottom of the hopper. Other forms of feed regulating means may be provided, if required, it beine' understood that the invention is not limited to the particular form shown. A chute 51 is preferably provided, and this may have a telescoping section whereby the mouth of the chute may be lowered or raised as in Fig. 1.

Means are provided by the invention for assisting in the separating action, whereby the heavier materials come to rest on table 1 while the lighter material is ioated above the table, such means also acting to impel the heavier stratified vmaterial outwardly towards the periphery of the table and its place of discharge. As embodied, a plurality of partitions or strips 56, which may be either straight or curved, have their inner ends fastened to the lower ends of the downwardly extending arms 58 and 59 of the yoke 57. The yoke 57 is fastened to a supporting channel beam 61, extending across and above the table, and supported at either end upon vertical posts 62 and 63, these posts having, respectlvely, bases 64 and 65. The partitions llO or strips 56 are within the bed of materials, and are positioned just above and very close to the surface of the'table 1, and theouter ends thereof are fastened at 69 to the adjacent stationary structure near the edge ot' the table, the means for conveying away the heavier material being just beyond the outer ends of these partitions or blades 56.

As the table rotates, the pieces of heavier material, which have come to rest on the surface of the table engage with the separating and directing partitions or blades 56, and are forced in a general radial or outward direction, and fall from the table on to the delivery mechanism. The pieces of the lighter material, which are floated on the air currents pass over the strips 56, and are ultimately discharged from the table.

While in many instances the action of the air pressure and air currents will be sufficient to loosen the intermixed particles in the bed of the material, so as to facilitate and eX- pedite the stratifying action, yet in accordance with one feature of the invention, means are provided for mechanically cooperating with the air currents in the work of loosening or spacing apart the intermixed particles of material.

As embodied, a plurality of bars 71 are fastened to the sides of supporting bar 61, and a plurality of stirring rods 72 are aiixed thereto, andv extend downwardly therefrom, with their lower ends in close contiguity to the table 1 and immersed in the bed of materials. These stirring rods 72 are preferably adjustable so as to vary the distance between the ends thereof and the table 1. For this purpose they are held in position in the bar 71 by clamping screws 73. While the stirring rods 72 are shown of cylindrical form, it is understood that they may be fiat or of angle formas may be necessary with the particular materials being operated upon.

The preferred form of discharging or delivering means for the rock or heavier material comprises as embodied a chute 80 at the outer end of each of the separating partitions 56. Chutes 80 are downwardly inclined, and discharge upon a'n endless conveyor belt 81, or any other device suitable or convenient for conveying away the discharged material. If desired, means for controlling the discharge of rock or other material may be provided, and as shown, a valve 82 is provided in the chute 80, having an external handle 83, and suitable means for holding it in any position desired, to regulate the outflow of the rock or other heavier material.

The chute 80 is supported upon stationary,

vertically-disposed posts 86 at either side thereof. If desired, means may be further provided for preventing the discharge of the coal or other lighter materials through the chute 80, and for this purpose a variably positionable gate 87 is provided, for varying the size of the` discharge orifices from the table 1. This gate may be positioned and held by any suitable means, such as a bolt and slot connection 88.

If desired, there may be provided also means for blowin a current of air backwardly and upwar ly against the edge of the heavier material presented at the openings from the table into the chute. As embodied, an air pipe 89 connects with the stationary air chamber, and has a broad discharge nozzle 90, directed at the upper part of the discharge orifice from the table to the chute 80. [Thls nozzle ma be angularly movable about the part 91 o the pipe to permit desired variation in the position of the gate 87. The air pipes may be supplied wlth a higher air pressure than exists in the airl chamber if desired or found desirable.

Referring now to the means for discharging vthe coal or other lighter material, a stai tionary, vertically disposed wall, or several sections of wall, 98 are provided close about the periphery or the table 2, portions of this wall being higher than the bed of materials carried upon the table, but in certain portions 98b the wall is of considerably less height than the layer of coal or other stratified material, the stratification having become complete by or before the time when the material has reached the periphery of the table. Thus the coal or other separated lighter material will be crowded outwardly and will be spilled over these sections 98b of the retaining wall. This retaining wall is supported by the posts 62, 63 and 86.

In alignment and justv without these low discharging sections 98b of the retaining wall are provided chutes 101, likewise supported on the posts and also by the retaining wall, these chutes emptying on to endless conveyor belts 102, or other discharging means.

While the conoidal downwardly and outwardly inclined table is usually the most advantageous and efficient with most of the material to be operated on, tables of the form shown in Figs. 4 and 5 may be employed as found necessary or desirable.

The manner of operation of the table is substantially as follows It may be assumed that the table is in operation with a bed of the lmaterials of the desired thickness maintained thereon and undergoing stratification, separation and separate delivery. The material is fed from the supply hopper 47 at such a rate as to maintain a bed of materials of suitable depth, that is, the feed is substantially at the separating and discharging rate of the table. It will be obvious, of course, that by changing the rate of feed, the thickness of the bed may be increased or lessened to attain the greatest separating efficiency.

In the preferred form, and with most materials to be separated, the most intense air lll) ' and to exercise a fiotant action on the lighter material. Thereby the largest particles of the heavier material sink at once to rest upon the table, whereas the lighter material and probably the smaller particles of the heavier material are ioated upwardly or suspended. out of contact with the table. i

These heavier particles which have come to rest upon the table are then impelled outwardly by the action of the separating and directing partitions 56, while the flotant particles will pass over the partitions, during the rotation of the table 1. Thel loosening action of the air currents will be increased or supplemented by the action of the stirring bars 72 when these are used. l

As the process and operation continues, and considering the operation somewhat farther outwardly on the table, the air pressure being of less intensity, particles of the heavier material of somewhat lesser size will settle upon the table. These will be impelled. outwardly by the action of the separating and directing partitions 56, while the lighter material, flotant in the upper stratum, will again pass over the partitions.

The process of stratification thus continues outwardly alon the table, the smaller and smaller particles of the heavier material coming to rest upon the table, by degrees outwardly toward the periphery, as the air action diminishes. While the deposit of the heavier material on the table increases, and the thickness of the layer of this material gradually grows, the greater speed of the outer portions of the table causes a greater outwardly impelling action upon this material and its discharge from the table.

Thus, as the operation continues, and considering the bed outwardly from the center of the table, towards the periphery, the upper stratum of the clean lighter material gradually becomes thicker and thicker, and due to the contrifugal action, the action ofthe air currents and some slight influence of gravity, the clean coal or other lighter material will be crowded over the discharge edge 98b and will be conveyed away. As already stated, this edge may be vertically adjusted to give y a nice and exact separating action.

Suitable dust collecting means are provided, and these may be of any sultable form. As fragmentarily shown herein, it comprises I a cylindrical receiver 112, located above the table, and havin a flexible skirt .113, attached to the lower e ge thereof, and depending abo it the table and its surrounding structure.

From all the foregoing it will be understood that a mechanism has been provided constituting an exemplary embodiment of the invention, realizing the objects and advantages herein set forth, to ther with other ob]ects and advantages. t will be understood further that departures may be made from the exact mechanism Aas shown and described, within the scope of the accompanying claims, without departing 'from the rinciples ofthe invention and without sacri cing its chief advantages.

What I claim is l. A mechanism for separating intermixed vdivided materials including in combination a rotatable air pervious table, the perviousness of which gradually changes toward its discharge edge, for. supporting a bed of the materials undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for rotatin the table, and means for discharging at di erent .levels at the periphery of t e table both a heavier and lighter material after stratification and separation.

2. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the materials'undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for rotating the table, and ide means for impelling` a heavier materia along the surface of the table to a place of discharge.

3. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantially conical table for supporting a bed of the materials undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for rotating the table,

and guide means for impelling a heavier material along the surface of the table to a plze of discharge at the periphery of the ta e.

4. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the materials undergoing separation, means for feeding the intermixed ,materials to the central part of the table, means for forcing air through the bed of material, means Vfor rotating the table, and means for discharging an inferior layer of heavier material at the periphery of the table.

5. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantially conical, air pervious table, the perviousness of which varies toward its discharge edge, for supporting a bed of the materials undergoing separation, means for feeding the intermixed materials to the central part of the table, means for forcing air through the bed of material, means for rotating the table, and means for peripherally discharging both a heavier and lighter material after stratification and separation.

6. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the materials undergoing separation, means for feeding the-intermizied materials to the central part of the table, means for forcing air through the bed of material, means for rotat.

divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the materials undergoingvseparation, means for feeding the intermixed materials tothe cen? tral part of 'the table., means for forcing air through the bed of materiahmeans for rotating the table, and ide meansfor impelling a heavier material along the surface `of the table to a place of discharge.

8.A A mechanism for separating intermixedv'divided materials including in combination a rotatable -air pervious table., the perviousness of which varies toward its discharge edge for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for feeding the intermixed materials tothe central art ofl the-table, means for regulably varying the feed of intermixed materials to maintain the bed of the desired thickness, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for rotating the table, and means for eripherally discharging both a heavier and ighter material after stratification and separation.

9. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including incombination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for feeding the intermixed materials to the central part of the table, means for regulably varying the feed of intermixed materials to maintain the bed of the desired thickness, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for rotating the table, and

means for discharging at different levels at the periphery of the table both a heavier and lighter material after stratification and separation.

10. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means forI feeding the intermixed materials to the central part of the table, means for regulablyr varying the feed of intermixed materials to maintain the bed of the desired thickness, means for'forcing air through the bed of materials, means for rotating the table, and guide means for impelling a heavier material along the surface of the table to a place of discharge.

11. A mechanism for separating vintermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the intensity of the-air action in different parts of the bed, and mea.` for rotating the table.

12. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantially conical table for supporting a bed of the material undergolng separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the air'action in different parts of the table and bed, and means for rotating the table.

13. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantially conical table for supporting a bed of the material vundergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the air action in different parts of the table and bed, means for rotating the table, and means for discharging a superior stratum of lighter material at the periphery of the table.

i 14. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantially conical, air pervious table, the perviousness of which successively decreases toward its discharge edge for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the air action in different parts of the table and bed, means for rotating the table, and means for discharging an inferior layer of heavier material at the periphery of the table.

15. A mechanism for separating intermiXed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed ofthe material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the air action, means for rotating the table, and guide means for impelling a heavier material along the surface of the table to a place of discharge.

16. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantiallyvconical table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varyino the air action in different parts of the ta le and bed, means for rotating the table, and means for impelling a heavier material along the surface of the table to a place of discharge.

17. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table forsupporting a bed of the material undergoing separation,

means for feeding the intermixed materials .Y

to the central part of the table, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, the air perviosity of the table being different in different parts thereof, and means fory rotating the table.

18. A mechanism for separating inter- `mixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable substantially conical table for supporting a bed ofthe material undergoing separation, means for feeding the intermiXed materials to the central part of the table, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the air action in different parts of the table and bed, and means for rotating the table.

19. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials vincluding in combination a rotatable substantially conical, air pervious table, the perviousness of which successively decreases towardits discharge edge for supporting a bed of the material undergoing se'paration, means for feeding the intermiXed materials to the central part of the table, means for regulably varying the feed of the intermixed materials to maintain the bed o-f the desired thickness, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for varying the air action in different parts of the table and bed, and means for rotating the table.

20. A mechanism for separating inter mixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for mechanically loosening and stirring the bed of materials, means for rotating the table, and guide means for impelling a heavier material along the surface of the table to a place of discharge.

21. A mechanism for separating intermiXed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of material's, the air perviosity of the table being different in different parts thereof, means for mechanically loosening and stirring the bed of materials, and means for rotating the table.

22. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combination a rotatable table forA supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means forforcing air through vthe bed of materials, means for varying the air action in different parts of the table and bed, means for mechanically loosening and stirring the bed gf materials, and means for rotating the ta- 23. A mechanism for separating intermiXed divided materials including in combination a traveling table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means for unidirectionally moving the table, and means for continuously discharging the stratified and separated materials at different levels and means for regulating the discharge of the heavier and the lighter materials.

24. A mechanism for separating intermiXed divided materials including in combination a traveling table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through' the bed of materials, means for unidirectionally moving the table, and guide means for impelling a heavier material along the surface of the table to a place of discharge.

25. A mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials including in combi nation a traveling table for supporting a bed of the material undergoing separation, means for forcing air through the bed of materials, means including providing the table with zones of successively varying perviosity to air for varying the air action, and means for unidirectionally moving the table.

26. The process of separating intermixed divided materials which comprises maintaining a bed of the materials on an airpervious table, forcing air currents upwardly through the bed of materials to loosen the mass andy stratify the materials, and progressing the lighter and heavier stratified materials radially outwardly from a median point by gravity and centrifugal force to separate places'of discharge at the periphery thereof.

27. A mechanism for separating interstratified materials from the surface of the table at the periphery thereof.

28. The process of separating intermixed divided materials which comprises rotating a bed of said materials to move the particles thereof radially outwardly by centrifugal force, passing lifting and loosening air currents simultaneously through substantially all parts of the bed, and continuously discharging both the settled heavier material and the iotant lighter material at the periphery of the rotating bed by centrifugal movement.

29. The process of separating intermixed divided mat'erials which comprises rotating a bed of said materials to move the particles thereof radially outwardly by centrifugal force. passing lifting and loosening air cur rents simultaneously through substantially all parts of the bed and continuously discharging both the settled heavier material and the iotant lighter material at different sectors of the periphery of the rotating bed by centrifugal movement.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name t'o this specification.

RICHARD PEALE. 

